Monday, July 16, 2012

Guest L. Diane Wolfe

Today I am delighted to have a guest blogger - L. Diane Wolfe – thank you so much for your contribution to my blog. Although not a vegan myself I can sympathise with this point of view. I don’t know if some of the products mentioned in the recipe are available other than in the US but I have no doubt other countries have similar products if you are interested in trying the recipe.

Known as “Spunk On A Stick,” Wolfe is a member of the NSA and a motivational speaker. “Overcoming Obstacles With SPUNK! The Keys to Leadership & Goal-Setting”, ties all of her goal-setting and leadership seminar’s information together into one complete, enthusiastic package. She also conducts seminars on book publishing and promoting, and assists writers through her author services. Her YA series, The Circle of Friends, features morally grounded, positive stories that appeal to both teens and concerned parents. Wolfe travels extensively for media interviews and speaking engagements, maintains a dozen websites & blogs, and contributes to several other sites and newsletters.She is also a professional photographer and has supplied all the pictures for this blog with the exception of the Cheetah.

For the Love of Animals

Where I live in Eastern NC, I’m something of an anomaly. I’m a vegetarian. More specifically, I’m a vegan.

I’m often asked questions. I learned long ago not to get into a debate, so my attitude is this is just what I do and who I am now. I’m not radical about it. I just live my life. Why would I or anyone else choose to be a vegetarian? There are hundreds of reasons, including health, environment, and resources. My reasons include all of those things, but it began with one thing - a love of animals.

We’ve always had pets and I’m sure that’s what spurred my love for animals. We had fish, hamsters, rabbits, cats, dogs, and even chickens. I was drawn to cats because of their agility and power. (I used to add grace, but after years of owning cats, I’d like to debunk the rumor that they are graceful.) My love of cats included the big cats - incredible predators and beauty in motion.

It’s not just cats that are beautiful though. I believe all animals possess increible qualities and features. I’ve spent half of my life as a professional photographer and animals are a favorite subject. Through the ability to freeze the action and get in close, I can focus on that beauty.

The gorgeous texture of alligator skin.

The striking colors and delicate legs of web weaver spiders. The soft fuzz on a moth. The myriad of colors represented in black fur in sunlight.

The long eyelashes on a horse.

The playfulness of a cow.

The raw energy and muscle of a running animal.

All of these things represent a living, breathing creature, designed with divine perfection. What I see is a beautiful miracle, one with a purpose beyond our consumption.

I’m not a vegan just because it’s healthier or better for the environment. I’m a vegan because I love animals.

And for those of you who would like to try a dish free of all animal products:

I have quite a few friends who are vegetarians,but only couple who are vegan. It makes cookouts and dinners a bit a challenge but in the course of entertaining I've learned some great recipes. My vegan is still a bit weak, so I'll add this one to my cookbook!

That's fine for vegetarians but not vegans, ditto with eggs. I've learned the fine art of tofu and veggies and spices. I have a few bean recipes that will do the trick as well. I have a good Mexican recipe made with rice and beans. I grate the cheese and set it to the side. Those that want it use it.

There are also some good pasta dishes I've experimented with and have gone over good. My issue is creating something with good flavor. I don't like blah and vegan dishes don't have to be. It's a matter of learning how to make the food rich and satisfying. Food is something we should enjoy.

My vegan guests have also been generous with recipes and tips and that helps.

Loved the pictures, especially the cat. I'd love to be able to capture my black cat in the sunlight like that. How many shots did you take before you got that one? Thanks for the recipe. I may try it as it looked good and healthy.

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About Me

Happily married for 44 years, originally from the UK, living in Canada now. Interested in cooking, reading and wildlife conservation. Read more at http://satimaflavell.blogspot.ca/2009/02/fresh-fields-reading-and-recipes.html